News release

For immediate release

Construction commences on Gold Arena slab replacement project

Saanich, BC – Construction starts next week to replace the 53 year old slab in the Gold Arena at G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre in Saanich.

“The Gold Arena is an essential part of our community and this project will ensure our residents can enjoy ice programs and services for many years to come,” said G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre Manager Graham Thomson. “Our teams have been working closely together to move this project forward. We’re excited to start the next phase and expect the project to be completed in time for the fall 2021 ice season.”

The project, led by Saanich’s Engineering Department in partnership with Recreation staff, includes replacement of the Gold Arena ice slab, ice melt pit, dasher boards/glass, arena netting, the flooring around the boards and the building’s elevator. The new elevator will improve accessibility to the second level of the centre.

The contractor’s crews will begin preparations on site next week with demolition starting the week of April 5. Demolition will continue through the month of April. Centre users and nearby residents should expect periods of loud noise during this phase of work.

The Gold Arena remains closed during construction. The ice was removed in April 2020 following the centre’s temporary closure in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan was always to remove the ice from the slab well in advance of construction to decrease the risk of compromising the recreation centre’s foundation with an unexpected slab failure.

The remainder of G.R. Pearkes, the Green Arena, fieldhouse and fitness centre will remain open regular hours during construction.

Updates will be available throughout the project at saanich.ca/pearkes.

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Media contact:
Graham Thomson
G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre Manager
250-475-5441
graham.thomson@saanich.ca